Automobile signal



1,683,663 c. E. GQHEEN AUTOMOBI LE 5 IGNAL Filed Nov. 21, 1927 INVENTOR.

C are/2a 5 6046622 A TTORNE Y.

Patented Sept. 11, 1928.

UNITED "STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLARENCE E. eonnnn, or sou'rn BEND, INDIANA.

AUTOMOBILE SIGNAL.

Application filed November 21, 1927. Serial No. 234,809; r v

The invention relates to automobilesigso marked that each set will spell a word made within the scope of what is claime visiblein opposite directions when'the rollers are in certain given posit-ions. A further object is to provide a device of this character in which a plurality of rollers are placed inv a frame in two sets oppositely placed, each set of rollers being so marked that the marks vcollectively form words at given positions, and in which the rollers are all interconnected by gears so that they may all be turned simultaneously and to the same extent, thereby displaying signal data observable by both an approaching and a following vehicle With the above and other objectsin vlew,

the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter set forth, shown in the drawing, described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the pre cise embodiment of the invention may b5 without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawing: Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device with the rollers in a position to spell Stop. Figure 2 is an end elevation of the device showing the gear connections between the rollers.

Figure 3 is a view of the indicating dial and operating handle.

Figure 4: is a view of the device with the rollers in a position to form Go.

Figure 5 is a view of the device with the rollers in a position to form Left;

Figure 6 is a view of the device with the rollers in a position to form Right.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion.

of some of the rollers showing how the rollers are marked.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral 1 designates a carrying frame which is adapted to be secured to the outer side 3 of an automobile. In the carrying frame 1 are placed in their proper positions the rollers 2. The rollers are placed in the frame in two sets,

. The rollers 2 are all each set extending vertically in alignment in the frame and placed directly opposite the other set, and facing in the opposite direction from the other set so that the same signal data will be shown and may be read equally well from both the front and the rear. Se-' cured to the'outer end of each roller is a gear 4: which is in interineshed connection with all.

the other like gears connected to .the other rollers in the same set. Thus'one roller can not turn without all of the other rollers turning simultaneously to the same extent.

The rollers 2 are operated by means. of the shaft 5 which extends between the spaced sets of the rollers and which has at its outer I v and by means of which the-driver of the car may operate the signal. The handle 7 is dis-.

posed adjacent to the inner face of an indicating dial 8 which is secured to the inner side 11 of the automobile body. This indicating dial in connection with which the handle 7 is used as a pointer has marked upon its face the same words, as Stop, Go, Left, and

Right, which are indicated by the rollers.

These words are marked upon the face of the dial in such a manner that-when the handle 7 has been moved to the proper position to indicate a given signal the rollers will. display the corresponding signal on bothsets of rollers observable by both an approaching and a following driver. v

so marked that each set will form aword at given positions of the rollers, anda plurality of rollers of each set have markings on a part only ofthe signal word, so that a plurality of'roller markings cooperate to produce the signal word, and the markings are so arranged that each 90 degree revolution of the rollers displays a different signal, so. that four difierent signals may be displayed. Thus in Figure 7, the numeral 9 designates the marks upon the rollers form ing the upper part of the letter S in the indicating position. In the same figure the numeral 10 designates the marks which will form part of another letter when the rollers have been turned another 90 degrees, and so on for each 90 degree movement of the rollers. I I

From the above i will. basses that an auto mobile signal is provided comprising a plurality of relatively small rollers cooperating to produce a relatively mnch'larger signal word, whereby the device may be constructed of a size which will not be objectionable as an accessory to an automobile, and which at the same time is simple of structure, and constituted of parts whichrwill not easily wear or become inoperative. v

The invention having been set forth what is claimed as new and useful is:

1. An automobile signalling device comprising a'fiame, oppositely disposed sets of rollers carried by said frame marked to collectively form words at given positions, driving' connections between all the rollers for rotating the same in unison, and lever means for operating the rollers.

it 2. An automobile signalling device comprising a carrymg'frame, two oppositely facmg, vertically disposed sets of rollers carr ed by said frame, vboth sets of said rollers being so marked that upon each turn of given extent each set v of rollers collectively forms a word,

gear. connections between all of the rollers, an ope 'ating crank having connection with one of said gears, and an indicating dial, said crank beingdisposed adjacent said indicating dial.

and control means whereby the rollers of each set will be rotated in unison.

4. An automobile signal having a carrying frame, two sets of vertically disposed rollers carried by said frame, each set of said rollers be ng so marked that upon each given turn of the rollers in unison a word is formed that is" visible in front and rear, gear connections between the rollers of each set, an intermediate operating gear meshing with adjacent gears of both sets, and means for actuating said intermediate gear.

5. A signal device having a carrying frame, two oppositely disposed sets of aligned rollers carried by said frame, said rollers having markings which collectively in varying positions form a plurality of words, means for operating the rollers of each set in unison, an indicating dial, and a pointer connected with said operating means and movable for rotating said rollers toform and display a given signal word.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

CLARENCE E. GQHEEN. 

